-Chapter 1: In the Name of the Empress

Outworld...

The slowly setting sun cast golden rays across the great city, bathing the sky a deep yellow as evening came over the realm. Another day was winding down and people were slowly filtering back to their homes, the marketplace growing quieter with each passing second.

"Havitamaah!" A sudden shout rose up from within the city gates and a group of two dozen Osh-Tekk warriors rushed into the streets, short swords brandished as they stormed the city. Citizens fled in terror, fearing another rebellious assault that might cost more lives than necessary, and hid from view as the Osh-Tekk rushed past them. They cared not for the citizens of the realm, for they only had one goal in mind: the Outworld Palace.

They were here to avenge their fallen Kahn.

Many of their brethren had tried to do the same in the past two months since Kotal's death, only to fail in one way or another. The new Empress had been very careful and was taking every precaution to ensure her rule was secure. But this time, the Osh-Tekk were hopeful that they might be able to strike harder and deeper than ever before.

They were about to be proven wrong.

Rounding a corner, the warriors continued their stampede down the next street. But they were stopped when a series of lightning bolts struck the ground before them, halting their advance. Thunder boomed loudly overhead, the Osh-Tekk clustering together and looking around for some sign of an opponent. Then, a mighty thunderbolt struck in the midst of them, disintegrating some warriors and electrocuting others. The group was thrown apart, a few recovering quickly and scrambling to their feet. Turning around, the warriors spied a man clad in white, eyes ablaze with electric power, hovering a few feet above and away from them. He touched down on the ground, standing tall before the Osh-Tekk. Lightning rippled across his forearms and crackled within his hands, a white band around his head flowing in the gentle evening breeze.

Magnus had arrived.

The Osh-Tekk nearest him attacked with a cry, sword raised and poised to strike. As soon as he was close enough, Magnus struck with two punches to the face and followed up with a burst of electricity that put the Osh-Tekk on the ground. Another attacked him from the right, Magnus raising his arm just in time to block his sword with his silver bracer. He retaliated with a hard uppercut and knocked the Osh-Tekk away with a back-kick. A third warrior charged him, only to have Magnus grab his head and channel his power into his hand, frying his face with a burst of electricity. The dead warrior collapsed and Magnus quickly released a blast of thunderous energy towards the remaining warriors, putting them all flat on their backs and knocking their swords from their hands. Taking flight, Magnus hovered above the group as the Osh-Tekk slowly recovered.

"Mileena Kahnum offers you two choices." He declared. "Surrender to her rule... or be destroyed." One Osh-Tekk near the front of the group stood up and looked to Magnus defiantly.

"Osh-Tekk would rather die than serve that half-breed witch!" He boldly stated, echoing the sentiment of his fellows. Magnus frowned, his blood starting to boil. He hated it when anyone referred to his lover by such condescending terms. Power flowing back into his limbs as his eyes turned white again, Magnus held out his arms and replied,

"Then die..." Torrents of lightning were unleashed upon the hapless Osh-Tekk as Magnus obliged them, his full power coming to bear on the rebellious group...

Later...

Having dealt with the rebellious Osh-Tekk, Magnus returned to the palace and entered the courtyard where a cluster of Tarkatan guards stood waiting for his return. Chief among them was Tarakah, the head of the palace guard and Mileena's top general.

"And where were you all while I was out there?" Magnus wondered.

"The Empress requested a double guard tonight. With the reorganization, we could not spare any to assist you." Tarakah responded.

"Are we really that short on Tarkatans?" Magnus absentmindedly wondered. He returned to the present with a shake of his head. "Nevermind. I handled it."

"The Osh-Tekk have been defeated?"

"Soundly." Magnus confirmed with a nod. "But best keep on alert tonight. Who knows what else they might have planned."

"We would give our lives to see the Empress safe." Tarakah declared, crossing his arms. "She will rest peacefully tonight."

"I have no doubt." Magnus replied, trusting the Tarkatan's completely. "As you were." He dismissed them. The Tarkatans started moving, destined for their various posts and dispersing throughout the palace. As they did, a servant made his way into the courtyard and came up to Magnus.

"High Protector," he greeted, using Magnus' official title, "the Empress requests your presence in the throne room." Magnus nodded in understanding and crossed his arms.

"Time to put on my other hat." He quietly mused. But the servant heard him and didn't quite grasp the old Earthrealm idiom.

"Lord High Proctector?" He asked questioningly, hoping for some clarification.

"I'm a man of many hats. If I'm not an advisor in her court, then I'm in charge of palace security. If not that, then I'm on the frontlines and quelling rebellions." Magnus explained, reflecting on his busy life in which he filled many roles. "I'm on my way. Thank you." He quickly added. The servant bowed and moved on, Magnus leaving the courtyard and entering the palace.

Striding through the halls of the palace, the Lord High Protector of Outworld was greeted by several servants on his way to the throne room. Some of them even bowed before him as he walked past. Such respect was a bit of a novelty to the humble elemental warrior. He had never considered himself one worth bowing to, but serving as Mileena's right-hand man had bestowed upon him honours he could only dream of. He basked in the respect everyone gave him, but refused to let it go to his head.

Arriving in the throne room, Magnus advanced towards the seated Mileena. The Empress was clad in a somewhat revealing black and pink kimono, one that established her as royalty but also brought with an element of 'deadly sexuality' that perfectly defined Mileena's seductive grace and fierce potential. The Empress smiled warmly and rose to meet her consort.

"Ah... Magnus." She breathed his name, pleased to see him. Magnus smiled as well as he walked right up to her.

"Mileena... my love." Magnus greeted, pulling her into his arms. Sharing a tender kiss, Mileena embraced her lover with a desire unlike any other. Of every man she'd been with, Magnus Shadrix was the only one she truly loved.

"I understand you defended my rule once again." She said, stroking his face.

"Word travels fast." Magnus noted with a chuckle. "I did. Another Osh-Tekk uprising is no more." He told her.

"A job well done, my love." Mileena purred. "However shall I thank you?" She wondered, kissing his jaw. Magnus chuckled breathily, basking in Mileena's love for him.

"Of all the hats I wear; palace security, keeper of the peace, royal advisor... being your lover has to be my favorite role." He commented. Mileena said nothing more and kissed him again, Magnus reciprocating as his own hand came up to brush her Tarkatan teeth. They parted for need of air, Magnus taking in Mileena's graceful, cat-like eyes while she drunk in his electric blue gaze. "I love you, Mileena." He whispered.

"And I love you, Magnus." She tenderly replied. Untangling herself from him, Mileena took hold of his hand and guided him away from her throne. "Come to bed, my love. My rule is secure for another day."

"With pleasure." Magnus replied with a grin, following Mileena as they made their way to her quarters.

"Pleasure is what we'll both be experiencing..." The Empress slyly chuckled.